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arts & travel Gippsland on the Go wheelchairs, a TrailRider and beach wheelchairs are available for visitors Covering the entire south-east corner of Australia, the Gippsland region offers unspoilt beaches, lakes, wilderness, wildlife and tranquil waterfront villages. Travel writer Craig Sheather goes on a family road trip and discovers some of Gippsland’s top accessible destinations. with physical disabilities to explore the great outdoors. Port Albert Established in 1841, Port Albert is one of Victoria’s oldest sea ports. More than 40 historic Georgian and Victorian-style buildings still exist Wilsons Promontory A range of short walks near Tidal in this charming village. A popular At the southernmost tip of River are available for visitors of all fishing destination, it also has an mainland Australia, Wilsons ages and fitness levels. Designed for interesting Maritime Museum, the Promontory is one of Victoria’s most- people with limited mobility, the Loo Old Port Walking Trail and scenic loved wilderness areas. It features Errn track follows the south bank of boat tours. Not far from the town spectacular scenery of huge granite Tidal River and provides access to centre, Hooked Inn Cottages boasts mountains, open forest, rainforest, the Tidal River footbridge. A short self-contained accommodation sweeping beaches and coastlines. boardwalk with platforms allows located on a tranquil wildflower access for fishing and protects the farm. Designed to accommodate fragile wetlands. people with disability, the cottages The open country in the north of the park is home to emus and are wheelchair friendly and have an upstairs car er’s retreat. kangaroos, while the forests and coastlines around Tidal River are habitat for large numbers of swamp wallabies, wombats and other mammals. Wilsons Prom has a range of accessible beaches, accommodation options, free accessible equipment hire and facilities within the park. All-terrain Accessible Accommodation + Charter Flights 2016 Winner Accessibility AwArd The Bellarine Peninsula + Geelong 0403 515 605 www.accessiblestays.com [email protected] 52 travel linkonline.com.au